Saturday, December 31, 2016

And before you know it, the year
2016 finally makes its way out of here. It was definitely a year of surprises;
some good, others not so much. It was a year when we lost many voices that had
been a big part of our lives, and perhaps many more as yet unknown were born.
For me, it was a year of discovering new music as a number of great artists
came to my attention for the first time, and many old friends stopped by for
another visit.

So, once again, here is our
tribute to some of the best releases of 2016. (Notice I said “some,” as we by
no means received all of the releases from the year. We’re working on it!) As
with all art, these merely reflect my taste and you might have had a completely
different reaction or feel that I left out some titles. Guilty as charged – and
feel free to leave a comment extolling the virtues of your selections. Who
knows, maybe I’ll go out and pick up the album to play on an episode of Time For The Blues.

One note of explanation since
there are so many titles listed below. You might think I’m hedging my bet, but
the simple truth is there were so many great albums released this year, and
there were great examples in a variety of blues categories. So, check out the
titles listed in those categories you enjoy and maybe you’ll find something new
to add to your collection.

Now, without further ado, I
present to you The Professor’s Honor
Roll of 2016!

There was big news from big names
in 2016 and the following, in alphabetical order of the artist, are some of my
favorites. Be sure to check out:

Memphis Rock And Soul by
Melissa Etheridge. Etheridge is noted for her hard-rocking style, so it only
seems fitting that she release an album of Stax covers. The 12 songs on the
album include songs from the likes of Otis Redding, Booker T. Jones, B.B. King,
William Bell and others. Put this album into your CD player, and you are
immediately transported to a different place and time – and you just might not
want to come back!

Pierced Arrow by The Rides.
The Rides is a supergroup comprised of Stephen Stills Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and
Barry Goldberg. At times, they may still sound a little like three superstars, but
for the most part they have really jelled as a group and this album explores
several different takes on the blues. Due to such pressures on their time and
schedules, it’s hard to say how many more albums the trio will make together
(this is only their second release), but catch this one and enjoy the moment.

Blue & Lonesome by
The Rolling Stones. I will gladly confess to this being one of the most
anticipated albums for 2016. The Rolling Stones started out as a blues band for
gosh sakes and while they have turned out a few bluesy songs over the last
couple of decades, they had never even teased doing a full blues album until
now. Recorded in a white heat over just a couple of days, these 12 tracks are
tight and the album is a lot of fun.

When She’s Gone by Benny
Turner. Turner may not have the same stature as some of the other artists in
this category, but that’s primarily because for much of his career he’s been
content to be a sideman to other artists. This album is a strong contender in
the soul/blues field and having had the opportunity to get to know Turner this
year, I can assure you that he belongs. Catch him live somewhere down the road
and I am confident you will feel that he’s a major entertainer.

Blues takes on many different
forms, from psychedelic all the way to one person with a guitar, there’s
something for every different style. But one thing is for certain, old school
sounds never go out of style. In 2016, there was plenty to satisfy the lover of
old school blues.

House Party At Big Jon’s
by Big Jon Atkinson and Bob Corritore. Atkinson’s guitar and Corritore’s harp
are augmented by a few other instruments but the feel is decidedly that of a
couple of friends sharing the music they love. It’s stripped down to the
essentials and comes straight from the heart.

Truth by Guy King. King
is a lot of fun with his big band inspired jazzy swinging blues. This is a man
who is steeped in the musicality of New Orleans, Memphis, and now in Chicago
where he has become a fixture at a number of upscale clubs. This is not the
stripped down old school, but the kind of old school that wants to grab you by
the lapels and kick you out onto the dance floor!

Taylor Made Blues by Mick Kolassa.
It’s no secret that I am a big fan of Kolassa’s and this album is just another
reason why. Stripping down each song to its essence, he still manages to find
the heart and soul of the place where he lives and the life that he leads. The
lines between blues and country sometimes blur, but never the intention of the
music nor its result.

Why I Choose To Sing The Blues
by Derrick Procell. This is a relatively recent release that just arrived but
it is a real gem and one that I will be playing frequently. Procell is an old
soul in a young (ish) body and his music evokes Howlin’ Wolf, Son House, B.B. King,
and transports his listener to a different place and time. Definitely worth
picking up and listening to repeatedly.

So Low by Tim Williams. One
man, a guitar (or several, but only one at a time), a voice and no overdubs is
the hallmark of this fine album by Williams. The 2014 IBC Solo/Duo winner is in
good form and his selection of songs is impeccable. One of the first albums I
reviewed in 2016, it remains one of my favorites.

So many blues greats in a variety
of styles released significant albums in 2016 that need to be on this list. It
was indeed a good year to be a fan, and if some of these are not currently in
your collection, be sure to check them out.

Can’t Shake This Feeling
by Lurrie Bell. A member of the famous Bell Family, Lurrie pulls out all the
stops for this fun and compelling release. He delivers some of the tastiest
chops of the year.

Live At The Greek Theatre
by Joe Bonamassa. Nobody quite straddles the line between blues and rock the
way Joe Bonamassa does. In this amazing two-disc set, he pays homage to the
Three Kings (Albert, Freddie, and B.B.) of the blues in this blistering
collection.

The Chicago Way by
Toronzo Cannon. For sheer over-the-top energy and fun, it’s hard to beat
Cannon. This guy does it all mixing a variety of styles into one amazing album.
I had a lot of fun playing this one and he’s made me a big fan.

Big Dog by Albert
Castiglia. One of the great hardworking bluesmen out there and this just might
be his best album to date. Solid playing, good lyrics; this one is the total
package. We featured several cuts off of this album on Time For The Blues.

Sounds Like The BluesTo Me
by Jeff Chaz. Chaz is an amazing performer with a soulful voice and a lifetime
of experience from which to draw. For a guy who has bounced all over the
country, he sounds like pure New Orleans. He released two albums in 2016, a
rare feat, and both are extremely good. We featured a lot from this album,
listen for more of the second!

I’m Gonna Tell You Somethin’:
Live At The G Spot by David “Honeyboy” Edwards. Documenting the last
time venerated bluesman Edwards was recorded (and filmed), this concert album
and accompanying DVD is a genuine treasure.

The Big Sound Of Lil’ Ed And The Blues Imperials by Lil’
Ed And The Blues Imperials. Lil’ Ed and his merry band of musicians have long
been favorites of mine. They have a way of bringing over the top music and an
incredible live performance together. Here, they are back in the studio but
sound as if they are electrifying a huge crowd.

My Road by Bob Margolin.
The best music is created personally but received universally and that’s what
this album does. Margolin, one of the great ambassadors of the blues, is in top
form both musically and lyrically. You can often find Margolin out on the road
somewhere, either with his own band or backing one of his many friends, and you
should always try to catch him wherever you can.

Cab Driving Man by Mississippi
Heat. A late, but welcome entry by this fun swinging band. Mississippi Heat is
in rare form with this high energy, over the top album. With so many great cuts
to choose from, we’ll have a lot to feature on Time For The Blues.

Bloodline by Kenny Neal.
Oh my Great Blues God, what an amazing album. Neal is in great form and his
guitar playing is top notch. I was actually a little late in getting this CD,
but it knocked me out and I am planning on using it quite a bit in the future.

The Beautiful Lowdown by Curtis
Salgado. Salgado is one of the greatest performers of our time. His high-energy
approach is a perfect match for his vocal style and harp playing. Whenever you
get a chance to catch Salgado live, you will receive every ounce of his soul in
performance. This album captures him in the studio creating some of his best
work.

I admit that it is sexist of me to
segregate some of the best albums released by women this year, and for an
alleged feminist that’s a pretty damning thing to say. In my defense, I’m still
trying to give an emphasis to these performers and want to ensure that their
voices are heard. So, sue me, my heart’s in the right place…

Professin’ The Blues by Fiona
Boyes. I hereby dub Fiona Boyes, The Queen of Old School. She has a great sound
and manages to pour more blues into her stripped-down approach than just about
anybody else. Her guitar work is top notch, and her vocals are dead on. If you
like that sound, you will love her. We sure do…

Love Wins Again by Janiva
Magness. Magness is one of those great performers that always puts out quality
work. On this release, she has poured her heart and soul into the work on a
much deeper personal level, and the result is amazing. She’s long been someone
to watch, and after this CD with its new approach to life, she’s easily a
favorite.

Hard Times, Bad Decisions
by Lisa Mann. Mann has been chalking up awards left and right and been in high
demand all over this country (and now Europe!) and we’ve been watching her
since her very first album. She’s grown so much musically and lyrically – and she
was already damn good when she started! She could very well be the next big
thing!

It Won’t Stop Raining by Shaun
Murphy. Murphy’s voice is soulful and stirring and her songs are impeccable.
She’s been turning out terrific work for years, often in someone’s shadow, but
lately has been taking the spotlight with the same great results. If you haven’t
picked up any of her more recent work, do yourself a favor and get one or two
albums and see what you’ve been missing.

Grit Grease & Tears
by Deb Ryder. I was a big fan of Ryder’s last album (Let It Rain) and was
blown away by this one. Great songwriting, terrific voice, this is one of those
CDs that has done extremely well critically and with fans, hitting the top spot
on the Blues & Roots Music Chart. This one belongs in every music lover’s
collection.

The Long Journey Home by Vaneese
Thomas. Pure greatness. Thomas takes us on one of the best musical journeys of
the year on this album. Deep and emotional, with so much heart and soul, this
is one of the most unforgettable albums of the year.

One of the great joys I have as a
writer and a part of Time For The Blues, is discovering new talent. Or at least
talent that is new to me. One of the ways that happens is when one of the
terrific publicists who support the show send me albums from new performers.
Another is when the artist themselves send us material and a head’s up.

In case you were wondering, I do
read everything and listen to every CD or download that we receive. I’m not
saying it happens immediately, but it does happen sooner than later. So, if you
want take the plunge and submit something, feel free to drop me a line at timefortheblues@gmail.com.

That’s a long way around to
introduce to you some of the great artists that were introduced to us this
year.

Mary Jo Curry by Mary Jo Curry. Wow.
Just Wow. This Midwest lady has got some serious blues chops. I love her voice
and hope that this CD gets her enough national attention to start touring the
major clubs and festivals.

Sugar Me by Sammy Eubanks.
Eubanks has some serious fun on this album and he shows some versatility as
well. We featured several cuts off this one and I, for one, am eagerly awaiting
his follow up.

Don’t Bring Me Daylight
by Reggie Wayne Morris. This one caught me by surprise as it came in unannounced.
I liked it the first time I listened, but due to large amounts of CDs arriving,
it got lost in the shuffle. When I pulled it out later and listened again I
discovered it was even better than I originally thought. Look for more cuts on
Time For The Blues.

Blues In Good Hands by
Mighty Mike Schermer. I first became aware of Schermer when I saw him playing
guitar alongside Marcia Ball. Damn, he was good. When I found out he had a CD
out, I tracked the sucker down and damn, he is
good! This one may have been out in 2015, I’m not sure, but I only got it in
2016, so I’m including it here. Keep your ears tuned for more from this guy.

A Force Of Nature by
Shari Schorr. If there were ever truth in the titles of CDs, Schorr would be at
the top of the list. She is a true force of nature. Produced by the legendary
Mike Vernon, this is an album that will make you sit up and listen. There’s no
need to wait for the future, she has all the tools and potential to become a
huge star now.

Just as so many newcomers make
their debut, I enjoy hearing those performers who have taken time away from the
industry return and share their experiences with us. For some, the reasons may
include burnout, while for others the reasons may be more personal and
pressing. Whatever the reason, I’m just glad to have them back making great
music.

No Money Down by David
Burgin. Burgin was the “go-to” guy for harp players back in the ‘70’s. He
played on dozens of albums that are probably in your record collection, and
even with a successful combo with his friend Roy Rogers going, he put it all
behind and walked away from the business. He’s returned with a swinging blues
filled album. For me, he’s still the “go-to: guy!

Six String Stories by
Joanna Connor. I’ve missed Connor’s music for years and recently found out she
stopped working in order to raise her daughter. That’s real life and the most
important job any person can do. She’s returned with an awesome record and it
feels like she’s never been away. Welcome back Joanna!

This is the segment that Henry
loves the most. He enjoys his blues with a hard driving edge and we tend to
feature a lot of that on Time For The Blues. Of course, it’s hard to go wrong
when you’ve got that sound that drives ‘em wild and gets people out of their
seats to move, scream, and shout.

Champagne Velvet by Jason
Elmore & Hoodoo Witch. Even though these guys have been around a while,
this is the first time I’ve heard them, and I am hooked on their sound. They
have a great time playing and this record comes off with a ton on energy! Look
for more of their stuff on Time For The Blues as I pick up their previous
releases.

Long Black Train by Ray
Fuller And The Bluesrockers. A smoking album from start to finish! I really
liked this album a lot and have been featuring a cut from it on several shows
trying to make the experience last. If you like music with an edge, check this
one out as well as their previous releases.

Live: The River City Sessions
by Jeff Jensen. Jensen is one of the unsung heroes of the blues. He’s a
terrific sideman, but when he gets his chance to stand in the spotlight, watch
out because he will tear the house down. This album catches him doing just
that.

Blood From A Stone by Eric
Krasno. For a long time Henry didn’t know he had received a copy of this album
and for some reason someone had written “JAZZ” across the envelope of my copy.
So it went largely ignored until a chance play by Henry (once he found it) turned
us onto a great album. Hard driving, but with jazzy influences, this is a great
addition to your collection and you better believe we won’t wait so long on the
next one.

Good albums have heart. Great
albums have soul. I love the sound of a skillful soul singer who manages to
bring out the best in a song. I don’t really hear as much as I used to, maybe
for some it’s passé, but when I hear that groove, I’m entranced. Here are a
couple of great blues artists who have infused more than a little soul into
their recordings.

One Of A Kind by Grady
Champion. Champion is not just a traditional soul singer, he’s a mover and
shaker; a guy who is just as comfortable with a hard driving boogie, but it’s
his sound that puts him into this category (for me anyway). I think he’s got
all the tools to get a ton of airplay and be a true breakout artist.

Tiger In A Cage by Johnny
Rawls. Rawls has that smooth voice, that presence that lets you know you are
listening to one of the greats. His lyrics are sharp and poignant and his
delivery is among the very best. This is one of those albums that just gets
better with every play.

Whenever any of my political junky
friends ask me if Virginia is a “Red” state or a “Blue” state, I always reply, “Neither.
Virginia is a BLUES state.” Then they usually shake their heads and stare at me
as if I have a canned ham on my head. I don’t have many political junky friends
left, but what the hell, I’ve got some great blues music to share. And if you
think I am segregating again, okay, I’ll take that hit. But I really want to
emphasize some of the best my state has to offer.

Tangled by In Layman
Terms. Brother and sister team of Cole and Logan Layman have been knocking
audiences out for years. When I first met them, Cole was too young to drive and
Logan was shorter than her bass guitar, but when they played, oh what a
beautiful sound they made. After a couple of EPs to test the waters, this is
their first full album and it truly rocks.

Live At The Southern by The
Jon Spear Band. The group who lives by the motto, “Live Music Is Better,” puts
it to the test with their first live album. You know what, they’re right. The
band is in top form and the tracks are impeccably recorded. I’ve had the
pleasure of watching them for a few years now and they just keep getting
better.

Roo’d Awakening by Anthony
Rosano And The Conqueroos. One of the hardest driving bands in the state, this
live recording was done in Richmond as they opened for Tab Benoit. It was in
front of this enthusiastic crowd that they whipped through several great songs
and set the stage for Benoit. Catch them while you can because I predict
greatness for them.

Straight Talk by Urban
Hill. A new to me band that features Paul Urban and Lathan Hill. Rocking,
soulful, this group covers the territory with this, their second album. The
group has really found a niche and Hill’s vocals and his and Urban’s
songwriting skills are remarkable. Truly looking forward to hearing more from
this group.

Every year there are usually
several different compilations and collaborations. Tribute albums are often the
vehicle for getting together a group of diverse artists to explore past (or
present) performers and writers. Here are a few of the very best 2016 had to
offer.

Alligator Records 45th
Anniversary. What an amazing collection of past and present Alligator
Artists on this collection that the label revamps every five years or so. Since
so many major players have been a part of the label, you know they have tons of
material from which to choose. You can’t go wrong with this two disc 37-track offering.

The Musical Mojo Of Dr. John.
What a concert! So many great players together to pay homage to the one and
only Dr. John! Released as a two-CD package you just can’t go wrong with so
many players. Where else are you going to hear Bruce Sprinsteen, Irma Thomas,
Tab Benoit, Mavis Staples, and John Fogerty on one collection? The music is
magic and the company divine.

Blues For Big Walter.
This collection of top harp players on EllerSoul is one of those discs that
just keeps getting better with every listen. Since the label is run by a great
harpist (Li’l Ronnie Owens) it’s no surprise that he was able to attract such
other great harp players like Bob Corritore, Mark Wenner, Kim Wilson, Mark
Hummel, and others.

I wasn’t sure where this last
album would fit. It’s well known how much I enjoy both jazz and blues, but
obviously focus most of my attention on the latter. When EllerSoul Records sent
me the album Skronky Tonk by Little Charlie And Organ Grinder Swing, I was a
little flummoxed. I love Charlie Baty and think he is a great guitar player –
and in our one conversation we discussed a mutual love of jazz and various
influences on the blues. The album itself is not blues per se, but I feel if we
limit ourselves to just one genre, we miss out on so much. So, check this one
out and enjoy some great gypsy jazz as played by some of the best workers in
the business.

Well, that’s it. Another year in
the books and with it came some great music for us all to enjoy. If you find
yourself intrigued by any of the titles listed, I encourage you to check them
out at their various websites and to sample some of their music. Thanks again
to all of the people who make this possible, the artists themselves for
creating the music, the publicists who work tirelessly to get the music out to
people like me to play and talk about, and the audience who listens, enjoys,
and often buys the music that fuels the artists. We all play our part and if
one leg is removed, it all comes crashing down.

Here's to 2017 and the music it
will bring. Keep coming by here to see what I’m talking about, and keep
listening to Time For The
Blues! (As well as other great blues shows around the world!)

Thursday, December 29, 2016

We hope you will join us this Saturday Night at 11 – New Year’s Eve – and
give us one last chance to entertain you this year. For those of you in the
Eastern Time Zone, we may be the last thing you hear in 2016. Pretty scary,
huh?

One of Henry’s many nicknames (can somebody help me start a Wiki Page to
document his collection of nicknames?) is Henry “The Hermit” Cook. In his
defense, as hard as he works, often the last thing he wants to do after a busy
day/week/month is go out somewhere and let his hair down.

Add to that is our natural shyness (believe it or not) and you have an
interesting conundrum – two guys who are highly visible in the blues community
who have a hard time getting out to big events.

What to do, what to do?

Leave it to my pal, Henry “I Can Solve Any Problem With An Allen Wrench,
Duct Tape, And Some Cussing” Cook to come up with a solution. If we can’t make
it out to the party, we’ll bring the party to us.

So that’s exactly what we’re going to do – and you can join us just by
tuning in, or by visiting via the internet.

You’re going to be a big part of the fun and you don’t have to worry
about leaving your keys somewhere or piling your coat up on the bed, or even if
the snacks are going to taste bad. Leave the bad taste to us – you have heard our jokes, right?

We’re going to start things off with a shot from the J. Geils Band
that is sure to kick things off on the right foot. Before you can recover from
that, we’re going to play the duo of Joe Bonamassa and Beth Hart
followed by Roomful Of Blues and the one man with more nicknames than
Henry – the immortal James Brown.

New Year’s Eve would not be as much fun without the ladies, so we’ve
brought in a few amazing women to help kick out 2016 and usher in 2017. We’ve
got Tina Turner (yes, Ike is along as well), Etta James, and
Henry has brought in a singer with whom I have no familiarity, Debi Smith.
He promises that we’re going to love her and I rarely argue with a man with an
Allen Wrench and Duct Tape…

It wouldn’t be New Year’s without a little old-school entertainment. No,
we don’t have Guy Lombardo to Auld Lange the Syne out of 2016, but we do have Roy
Milton and His Solid Serenaders who will share the New
Resolution Blues with all of us. In case you were wondering my New Year’s
Resolution is to make no New Year’s Resolution, thus immediately breaking and
ultimately keeping it at the same time. We’ve also got one of my favorite
groups from the Doo-Wop/Early Days of Rock ‘N’ Roll era, The Orioles, plus selections from T-Bone Walker and Wilson
Pickett.

Lastly, we do have (sort
of) an end of the year tradition and George
Thorogood & The Destroyers will be with us for another year and we’ll
give the last word to our friends Roomful
Of Blues.

If 2016 has given you
the Blues, we’ve got your prescription for 2017. Be sure to join us Saturday
Night – New Year’s Eve – at 11 Eastern as we ring out the old and welcome the
new. If you don’t want to go out, we’ll bring the party to you. Just kick back
and enjoy.

You can find us on the
radio on one of the Idea Stations, and from anywhere in the world via the
internet at ideastations.org/radio.

And on a personal note
from Mr. Cook and yours truly The Professor, thank you for letting us into your
world for about an hour or so every week. We appreciate the invitation and hope
that you will join us for a lot more great music and very bad jokes. Keep it
tuned to WCVE where it’s always Time For The Blues!